The challenge of artificial intelligence in small and medium entities: The case of Vedrai Spa

Given the different research implications linked to AI and digitalization in the accounting field some studies mainly focused on the effect of AI and digitalization on management accounting and control (Bhimani and Willcocks, 2014; Möller, Schäffer and Verbeeten, 2020) by altering the use of accounting data by accountants (Arnaboldi, Busco and Cuganesan, 2017). In more detailed terms it is quite unclear how different sources of data can be used in different accounting tasks and the decision making process. Few studies analysed how companies can integrate different new sources of data for generating business value (Knudsen, 2020). Particularly, the impact of AI and digitalization on the SMEs context is quite unexplored in the management accounting field. To address this gap this study can contribute to existing literature in two ways. First, an empirical analysis of a selected case study, i.e. Vedrai Spa (hereafter, Vedrai) can offer an interesting practical insight on the different intelligent technologies can be used in the management accounting and decision making process by SMEs. Second, the data collected by interviewees with the firm’s Founder and management can highlight the most critical issues related to financial and social implications on the use of AI-based solutions by SMEs by suggesting interesting implications in terms of sustainable policies and practices.